‘Hello?’

‘Hello, Angelina, it’s Stacey, Julian’s secretary here. Could I have a quick word with Julian, do you think?’

‘He’s not here, Stacey. He stayed at the flat last night so I haven’t seen him since yesterday morning.’

‘Well, I’ve tried the flat number and his mobile and he’s not answering that either. I thought he’d been with you at home last night, looked at the weather and thought better of trying to make it into Norwich.’

‘No. Could he be out on an appointment? Or in court?’ Angelina realised immediately it was a stupid question to ask. Julian’s secretary was bound to know his movements.

‘That’s the thing. He had a ten thirty client meeting here. The lady is in reception and she’s been waiting for twenty minutes. It’s very unusual for Julian not to let me know if he’s going to be late or needs to cancel.’

All sorts of terrible images were running through Angelina’s head. ‘Stacey, you don’t think he’s had a crash, do you? Should I call the hospitals?’

‘Surely if he had, you’d have heard by now. Perhaps he’s overslept or something,’ Stacey offered unconvincingly, though they both knew that wasn’t an option.

‘Now I’m concerned he’s collapsed at the flat,’ said Angelina. ‘I’d drive there now, but what with the weather, I’m worried I wouldn’t make it. Besides, I’ve got Rory here with some police counsellor.’

‘Well, the flat’s not that far from here and I do know he keeps a spare set of keys in his desk drawer. If he hasn’t turned up by lunchtime, do you want me to go and see if he’s there?’

‘I don’t know.’ Angelina bit her lip. ‘Maybe we’re being silly. Surely there must be an explanation?’

There was a pause at the other end of the line. ‘I’ll go at lunchtime, shall I?’

‘Well, if you wouldn’t mind. And let me know as soon as you can.’

‘I will. I’d better get back to the client. I’ll say Julian’s been delayed by the snow and reschedule.’

‘Ring me as soon as you get there. Thanks, Stacey.’

Angelina put the receiver back in its cradle. She held a hand to her mouth in anguish, her stomach churning.

Why, when only a few days ago, everything was perfect, was everything now going so horribly wrong?

Chapter Twenty-Two

Jazz had found Celestria sitting alone in the relatives’ room situated just outside the critical care ward.

‘Darling, I can’t believe you made it! And so fast too.’ She held out her arms to embrace her daughter.

‘It felt like an eternity to me, Mum.’ Jazz could feel her mother shaking against her. She sat in the chair, holding Celestria’s hands in hers. ‘Is there any news?’

‘The consultant is coming to talk to me to tell me what’s happening.’ Celestria looked at her watch. ‘The nurse told me that forty-five minutes ago.’ She shrugged. ‘One doesn’t like to make a fuss, I know only too well what busy people they are.’